Less than four years after Sandro Rosell was elected Barcelona president with a record number of votes he has resigned amid concerns over transparency and claims of underhand dealings surrounding Neymar’s transfer.
It is often said only half in jest that the Barca presidency is the most important job in Catalonia, ahead of the leader of the local government, due to the power the club hold through their fan base and the way they represent the region.
Rosell is the latest in a long list of presidents accused of abusing that power after he refused to be open with fans over last year’s purchase of Neymar from Santos and a court case is pending to investigate claims of a misappropriation of funds.
Josep Nunez, president from 1978 to 2000, was criticised for running the club as his own personal business while Rosell’s predecessor, Joan Laporta, faced a vote of no confidence which he narrowly survived for not listening to the supporters.
Rosell became vice-president in 2003 when Laporta took the top job. At the time, Barca were in crisis on and off the pitch and a new board of young, successful businessmen was elected.
With Rosell’s background in soccer and marketing, including his position as head of Nike’s South American department, he used his contacts to bring in players like Ronaldinho and Deco, and helped to turn the club’s fortunes around.
However, the relationship soon turned sour and a battle of personalities saw him resign in 2005.